15 Bulletin Board Themes Every ’90s Classroom Had
These bulletin board themes were found in nearly every ’90s classroom, helping teachers decorate while reinforcing school values.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Classroom bulletin boards in the 1990s were colorful, simple, and often used to teach or motivate. Teachers used recurring themes that were easy to recreate and matched the school year. This list looks at 15 of the most common bulletin board themes from that era.
1. Reading Corner
Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
Most classrooms had a board dedicated to books students were reading or recommended titles. Teachers posted book covers, reading goals, and sometimes a reading log chart. It helped track progress and promoted regular reading habits. Some boards also featured student reviews or summaries.
2. Math Facts Wall
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
This board included multiplication tables, number lines, and math problem-solving tips. Teachers used it to help students memorize core math facts. Some additional student work or flashcard pockets are provided for practice. It stayed up most of the year for easy reference.
3. Student of the Week
James Rhoda on Wikimedia Commons
Each week, a new student was featured with photos, facts, or drawings about them. It helped build confidence and classroom community. Kids got excited when it was their turn. Teachers used a simple layout that rotated regularly.
4. Seasonal Calendar Board
waldemarbrandt67w on Unsplash
Teachers used this space to teach days, months, and holidays. It often included weather tracking and a class schedule. Younger grades changed the calendar daily as part of the morning routine. It doubled as a simple way to teach time and planning.
5. Science Topic Display
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Bulletin boards reflected the current science unit — plants, planets, weather, or animals. Charts, vocabulary words, and labeled diagrams helped reinforce lessons. Students often added drawings or observations. It changed every few months to match the unit.
6. Social Studies or Geography Focus
Metropolitan School on Wikimedia Commons
Maps, flags, and timelines were common on this board. It helped students learn U.S. history, world geography, or cultural traditions. Projects and printed articles were added during class discussions. Teachers updated it during national holidays or history months.
7. Writing Wall
Vanessa Riecke on Pexels
This was where teachers posted student writing samples: essays, poems, or stories. Some included grammar tips or a word wall. It helped students see their progress and take pride in their work. New writing was added after big assignments.
8. Weekly Vocabulary Board
Renee B on Pexels
Every Monday, new words were posted with definitions and example sentences. Students used them in writing and spelling lessons throughout the week. It supported language growth and reading comprehension. Teachers replaced the words regularly to match curriculum units.
9. Classroom Rules and Expectations
Rafael Robles on Wikimedia Commons
This board listed clear behavior rules, rewards, and sometimes consequences. Many were based on school-wide systems like “Be Respectful, Be Responsible.” It was posted at the front of the room and rarely changed. It reminded students of how to behave in school.
10. All About Me Boards (Start of Year)
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Used at the beginning of the school year, this board let students introduce themselves. It included drawings, photos, or short bios. Teachers used it to help students learn names and find shared interests. After a few weeks, it was replaced with subject-based displays.
11. Career Day or “When I Grow Up”
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In the spring, teachers posted student drawings or essays about future jobs. It tied into lessons about goal setting and personal interests. Some boards included guest speaker photos or job facts. It connected classroom learning to real-world ideas.
12. Test Prep or Study Skills Board
Amuzujoe on Wikimedia Commons
Around state testing time, teachers created boards with test-taking tips, strategies, and motivation. It included reminders like “underline key words” or “check your work.” Some students added encouraging notes to each other. It helped reduce stress and build confidence.
13. Attendance or Job Chart
SuSanA Secretariat on Wikimedia Commons
This board tracked classroom jobs (line leader, board cleaner) and daily attendance. Younger grades especially relied on it for morning routines. It taught responsibility and participation. Students checked it every morning as part of their duties.
14. Art and Projects Wall
JMS School on Wikimedia Commons
Instead of a theme, this board showed current classwork in art, science, or writing. Teachers rotated displays to highlight new assignments. It gave students a public space to share their effort. Parents noticed it during open house or conferences.
15. Graduation or End-of-Year Goals
U.S. Army USAG-V by Laura Kreider on Wikimedia Commons
By spring, teachers used this board to show final goals or year-end reflections. Students wrote what they learned or what they looked forward to next year. Sometimes, it featured photos from the start of the year. It marked the class’s progress in a visual way.